administration. >> reporter: the first presidential debate started with a handshake and a romantic moment. >> 20 years ago, i became the luckiest man on earth because michelle obama agreed to marry me. >> congratulations to you, mr. president, on your anniversary. i'm sure this was the most romantic place you could imagine here with me. >> reporter: the theme of the debate for president obama appeared to be that romney's plans lacked specifics. >> is the reason that governor romney is keeping all these plans secret because it's too good? >> reporter: governor romney spent the night attacking his record. >> you have been president for four years. you said would you cut the deficit in half. it's now four years later. we still have trillion dollar deficits. >> reporter: mitt romney came into the debate trailing in the polls but that could change after last night's performance. >> anytime a challenger stands on the stage with the president in a first debate they tend to get a bounce. i expect that could happen here. >> reporter: the romney campaign believes the governor scored a knockout. >>